What is the Most Expensive Fish to Sell in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
The most expensive fish to sell in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH) aren’t limited to a single species, but rather a coveted group of six aquatic treasures. These top-tier catches each fetch a hefty price of 15,000 Bells when sold to the Nook’s Cranny store. However, that price can increase significantly when sold to a particular visitor.
These coveted fish are:
- Stringfish
- Dorado
- Barreleye
- Coelacanth
- Golden Trout
- Great White Shark
While many fish in ACNH offer solid returns, these six represent the pinnacle of profitability when it comes to selling fish, making them a priority for dedicated anglers. It’s important to note that the rarity of these fish varies, which means some are significantly more challenging to catch than others. Therefore, understanding their specific locations and times of appearance is crucial for maximizing your Bell earnings. It’s important to note that C.J., a special visitor, will purchase these fish for 22,500 bells, making him an extremely profitable seller when he’s on your island.
Understanding Fish Value in ACNH
While these six fish claim the top spot, it’s also essential to understand that fish value in ACNH isn’t just about species. Different fish have different selling prices. More importantly, special characters such as CJ and Flick (for bugs) can dramatically increase how much you earn when selling your catches. Regular sales to Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny will always offer the base value, but if you’re aiming to maximize your earnings, patience and preparedness for these special visits are key.
Maximizing Your Profits with Special Visitors
When C.J. the otter visits your island, he will buy any fish you’ve caught for 1.5 times the original price. This is where the true potential of these expensive fish is unleashed. That 15,000-bell fish becomes a 22,500-bell windfall. This bonus applies to every fish you sell him and not just the expensive ones, making him a very valuable visitor to encounter.
Other Profitable Fish
While focusing on the most expensive catches is a great strategy, don’t underestimate the value of other high-priced fish like the Whale Shark (13,000 bells), Saw Shark (12,000 bells), and various 10,000-bell fish such as the Arowana, Arapaima, Napoleonfish, Sturgeon, and Blue Marlin. Accumulating several of these catches can be lucrative as well, particularly when you can sell them to C.J for that extra 50% profit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions, along with detailed answers to help you become a master angler in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
1. What are the best ways to find these rare, high-value fish?
Utilizing fish bait is key. Crafting bait with manila clams you find on the beach allows you to spawn fish, giving you more chances to encounter a rare one. Knowing the time of day, location and time of year when these fish appear is crucial. Also, look for big shadows in the water, as these are more likely to yield high value fish.
2. Is it better to sell fish to CJ or Nook’s Cranny?
Absolutely CJ. He buys fish for 1.5x the normal price, turning any sale into a significant profit boost. While you may sell fish to Nook’s if you need quick cash, you should always save high-value fish for CJ to maximize your profits.
3. How often does CJ visit my island?
CJ appears randomly on your island, like other special visitors. It is beneficial to check your island daily to see who’s visiting. He will remain until 5:00 am the next day, giving you plenty of time to gather and sell him fish.
4. Can I store fish to sell to CJ later?
Yes! You can store fish in your home inventory or storage until CJ visits. This allows you to accumulate a substantial stock of high-value fish, so when he arrives, you can cash in big time.
5. What is the lowest selling fish in ACNH?
The tadpole sells for only 100 Bells, making it the least profitable fish to catch. It appears in ponds during certain months and is a small shadow, so it is easy to avoid if you’re going for big catches.
6. Are there any other high-value items besides fish in ACNH?
Yes! The Trophy Case is the most expensive sellable item outside of special craftable items. Hot Items of the day at Nook’s Cranny, especially fruit-themed items, offer excellent profit margins. However, these can change daily.
7. What are the top ten rarest fish in Animal Crossing?
While all rare fish are challenging to catch, those often considered among the top ten are: Coelacanth, Great White Shark, King Salmon, Barreleye, Ocean Sunfish, Pearl, Mahi-Mahi, Golden Trout, Football Fish, and Gigas Giant Clam.
8. Do sharks pay more than other fish?
Yes, many sharks like the Great White Shark (15,000 Bells base price) are among the most profitable fish to sell. They are also typically larger and easier to spot in the water, as they possess a distinctive fin. Sharks can be identified by their distinctive fin at the surface of the water, making them relatively easy to target if you’re looking to maximize your earnings.
9. Is the Hammerhead Shark a good fish to sell?
The Hammerhead Shark sells for 8,000 Bells, which is still a good value, but it is not as profitable as the Great White Shark or other fish. It is best to save this fish for CJ for a 12,000 bell profit.
10. What are the highest paying bugs in the game?
Several bugs match the price of the most expensive fish: Golden Stag, Giraffe Stag, and Horned Hercules all sell for 12,000 Bells. However, you can sell them to Flick for 18,000 bells a piece.
11. Does Flick pay more for bugs than Nook’s Cranny?
Yes, similar to C.J., Flick pays 1.5x the base price for bugs, making him the best place to sell your insect catches.
12. Where is the best place to fish for valuable fish?
The ocean is generally the best location for high-value fish, especially around the pier area. Using fish bait along the pier will help increase the chance of catching high-value fish.
13. Are there any other special ways to make money in ACNH?
While selling fish and bugs to CJ and Flick is a great way to make money, always be on the lookout for hot items at Nook’s Cranny, which change daily, as these provide an increased profit margin for the day. Additionally, selling resources like wood and iron can generate income, while completing quests for villagers can provide additional rewards.
14. Is it worth my time to catch smaller fish?
While not as profitable, smaller fish still contribute to your overall earnings, particularly if you are selling to C.J.. However, if your goal is to maximize your bells, it’s best to focus on larger shadows and utilizing bait to find the most valuable fish.
15. Are there specific times when rare fish are more likely to appear?
Yes, many of the rarest fish have specific time windows during the day and months of the year when they are more likely to appear. Utilize the resources online to be sure you are fishing at the right time and place for each specific fish you are trying to catch.
By understanding the values, locations, and times of these top-tier fish, and knowing when to take advantage of special visitors like C.J., you can significantly increase your income in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Happy fishing!